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Month: January 2019

Well, a little child, not daring to look around, keeping eyes directed downwards to the dazzling floor and the Steward Angel’s feet, was shown into His Royal Majesty’s dining room. Sensing His Royal Majesty’s presence and feeling very overwhelmed she was shown a large table and the gold and silver vessels were, well, in a state of disarray, some were fallen, sprawled drunkenly and some looked like they needed a good polish, while others were, the child thought in need of repair.

Normally children are very outspoken, but, this was heaven and this was our Sovereign Lord’s Dining Room and table; besides The Angel had seen the little mouth forming a large, big round ‘O’ that was going to be followed by ‘ What a mess!’ … and was shaking his head.

His Majesty knows all our words before we speak them, and our thoughts, well, even a little child knows that He knows those better than we do.

“It is rather a mess. I thought you would like to sort it out, put things in order.”

Now, when our Heavenly Lord speaks to you like that what do you say?

“Oh dear Lord, I can’t” .. the child said.

“I’ve never been taught how. I am sure i would only make it worse”

“Just watch my Steward very closely, and listen very carefully. Be sure to do everything he tells you”

Each one of you has received a special grace, so like good stewards responsible for all these varied graces of God, put it at the service of others. If anyone is a speaker, let it be as the words of God: so that in everything God may receive the glory, through Jesus Christ, since to Him alone belong all glory and power for ever and ever Amen

(1 Peter 4. 10-11)

Often things shown in heaven mirror things on earth. In this case, I think of the messy, disordered state of some fellowships, the upsets caused by some who think more highly of themselves than they should; especially those who know they have talents and gifts and are overcome by an almost frantic desire to show them off, rather than use them in service of others and under the direction of the Holy Spirit. And, what about the Table Manners of those who are still living with both feet firmly planted in the world? The quarrels, angry voices and sometimes downright foolishness of some all need correction by a wise and gentle Steward. If other than wise, if other than gentle .. matters only get worse. Children need gentle nurture, kindly admonishment to bring them on.

I post this in gratitude for all who have taught me with quiet, kindness and love, all those who speak softly, patiently as our loving Father in heaven does. And with thanks for the lovely, gentle teaching of the writers of the New Testament letters.

Well these days names are not what they were; during a year many babies, young people, sometimes an adult, but the latter are rare, are bought to my church to be baptised, and very strange names seem to be given, often the same name is given to two or three children in the Same service (we baptise up to as many as five children at a time), the same name but spelt differently. Pasted on the inside of the ancient wardrobe door in the Clergy Vestry, is an extremely old, yellowing paper listing names suitable for ‘ Christening’ babies – boys on the left, girls on the right. There are very few names on that list; and very few of them are used nowadays.

I have two Christian names, incredibly both are forms of the Hebrew, John. I doubt very much that my father realised that when he registered my birth, but I also have a nickname, one given through the Holy Spirit. Which I have been told is a suitable sobriquet, (a rather posh name word, for a person’s nickname.)

And my nickname?

Pe

I questioned the Lord Jesus about this, and He answered because, I was small, fresh and green like a “pay” … “pay” is how Black Country people pronounce pea.. not me, a kindly Head Teacher in my Junior School Days, carefully and slowly taught me better ways. Teachers are very important in our lives, in my latter school days I won awards for public speaking. But what did Jesus mean by small, fresh and green.

Well small of stature I certainly am at 5ft, and by fresh and green, I think He meant not worldly wise and far too trusting.

And then I discovered Pe in Psalm 119. 129~136

Wonderful are your instructions,

So I observe them.

As your word unfolds it gives light,

And even the simple understand.

I open wide my mouth,

Panting eagerly for your commandments.

Turn to me; pity me;

Those who love your name deserve it.

Keep my steps firm in your promise;

That no evil may triumph over me.

Rescue me from human oppression,

And I will observe your precepts.

Let your face shine on your servant,

Teach me your will.

My eyes stream with tears

Because your Law is disregarded.

I use this as a prayer sometimes. I marvel, (and smile, marvel is the name of a variety of pea) that all those years ago before I learnt how to Pronounce the Hebrew letter as at the top of this post, I became the Lord’s little pay

Posted in love for Jesus my Teacher and yours, who still ‘walks and talks with us’ today with a prayer that He keep my steps and your steps firm in the Father’s promise. Blessings.

St Paul in the evening of his life, sent words of encouragement to the younger Timothy;

‘You must keep steady all the time’

At the start of another year, I am taking that advice with me through the year that is now and although I can look back and remember times of sadness and disappointment, I don’t look forward to retirement from His Majesty’s Service yet.

It is my witness that God provides for all my needs in Christ Jesus, all my needs in all ways and I do know the abundance of eternal life now … it is not pie in the sky when I die, but the True Bread from Heaven now… the Joy of God’s table every day.